Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Just fyi, I'm pretty sure I will be away this Sunday as well.

The new unit for this week is Unit 8 , Reaching Out to the Poor

Focus Scripture for the Week: Leviticus 19:10

You shall not strip you vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God.

Today's scripture: Matthew 19:16-22

-- we discussed this parable of Jesus earlier this year during our study of Luke -- this parable appears in Matthew, Mark and Luke.

-- in this story, I hear echoes of Wesley's instructions about money -- "gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can".

-- this is a scary passage for all of us. Sell all we have, give it all to the poor? When it says the young man became very sad, we can see that and feel that. The challenge that Jesus was issuing him was about identifying what this man felt was his base of security. He had more faith in his possessions and wealth than in God. So this passage is more about the need to put your faith in the right place and on the right thing rather than the need to give to the poor.

-- however, think about this -- once the man had told Jesus that he was keeping all of the commandments, and asked what more he should be doing, Jesus identified giving to the poor as a "next level" type commitment. Note that he could have told the rich young man any number of things, but giving to the poor is the thing Jesus focused on. Again, part of that reason was because of what is mentioned in the paragraph above, but part is because Jesus places great importance, time and again, on helping those less fortunate.

-- this particular story continues along a few more verses beyond our reading for today, and at the end Jesus returns to the idea that first shall be last, and the last shall be first. This is a theme that runs throughout several of Jesus's parables and teachings. In this case, that theme gives some additional insight into what Jesus was telling this man -- that the things that put you first or on top here on earth -- money, power, etc. -- do not put you first in the kingdom of God.

-- at the end of this passage, Jesus repeats the promise he makes in verse 21 of our reading -- whatever good thing you have to give up to follow me, it will be worth it based on your reward to come in heaven.

Today's prayer request: Monica's nephew, Alex Lloyd

Alex is going to have a long-term presence on our list, due to the condition of his hip and the long term nature of his treatment.

Today's class member prayer:

Valerie Waters

Have a great day.

Jay